The day the Nationals signed Adam Dunn, prior to the '09 season, it was the first step towards rebuilding their lineup.

Teaming up with Zimmerman, the Nationals having two potent bats in the middle of the line-up. If they can find a solid run producer for the fifth slot, watch out this offense will shoot towards the top.

Table-setters Morgan (.307 and 42 stolen bases) and Guzman (.306) should provide ample opportunity for the big guys to drive in the runs.

A pivotal player is Elijah Dukes. If he finally matures and reaches his potential, the Nationals have their batter for the fifth slot.

Since joining the NL, the Rockies always provided a team loaded with offense. Due to the thin air, players like Andres Gallaragga, Dante Bitchette, Larry Walker, and Vinny Castilla enjoyed outstanding years in Colorado.

Times have changed and the Rockies have become a team who have pitching and are more balanced offensively.

Following Scott Podsenik and Willy Taveras, Fowler is the latest speed demon to head the Rockies. Unlike the other two, Fowler is expected to man the lead-off spot for many years.

The middle of the lineup is balance with a lefty-right-lefty batters who have been productive in their respective slots.

Gonzalez (13 HR in 278 at bats) is the next All-Star on this team and will bat sixth. There's a good chance that he will move from anywhere between second and his projected slot this year.

This lineup will compete for the top if Stewart becomes the next Dan Uggla and if Iannetta improves his batting average.

The NY Mets entered 2009 with one of the top-five lineups in the majors. Unfortunately, almost every starter hit the DL for extended periods which hurt the team offensively. The Mets finished towards the bottom in runs scored and next to last in homers.

Now we are entering 2010 and I'm predicting the Mets to have a top -10 offense in the majors, even with Beltran out for an extended period heading into the season.

Reason for the optimism is the Bay signing, who is a dead pull hitter, and the health of these stars.

Reyes is one of the best lead-off hitters in the game and Castillo is a nice situational hitter at the two hole.

With Bay, Wright will have protection and will enjoy a rebound in the power categories.

Francoeur seemed to fine his stroke after arriving from Atlanta and fits nicely in the sixth hole.

If Murphy was the second baseman, the stats he produced would be nice. Expect another step forward offensively, especially, if his defense improves under Keith Hernandez tutelage.

I expect the Mets to fill center with Angel Pagan and Gary Matthews Jr for the short term, but will need a healthy Beltran for this ranking to stick.